In recent months, the Southern District of California has witnessed a significant exodus of federal prosecutors, with reports indicating that as many as 10 have resigned under the leadership of acting U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. This mass departure coincides with a series of demotions for other high-ranking officials within the office, raising alarms about the morale and operational capacity of the division.
Sources have described this situation as a ‘brain drain’ similar to what has been observed at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The departures include a veteran chief from the national security section and a former U.S. attorney, leading to concerns that the office is losing a substantial portion of its experienced staff.
One longtime staff member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, claimed that the resignations have resulted in the departure of around 80% of the office’s senior prosecutors or civil attorneys who had previously been viewed as the most capable.
The source expressed deep discontent with the current management structure, stating, ‘I am disheartened by what is taking shape — the management that’s been put in place.’
The staffer also alleged instances of retribution, suggesting that Gordon demoted at least one attorney for having ties to the previous U.S. Attorney, Tara McGrath, or her associates.
Another individual indicated that an attorney was demoted due to involvement in prosecuting cases related to the January 6 insurrection.
Discussing resource allocation, McGrath revealed earlier this year that personnel usually dedicated to national security and fentanyl abatement efforts were increasingly directed to focus on immigration cases. She lamented, ‘That is 20% less of their time being devoted to public corruption, guardian complaints, national security, … human trafficking cases.’
The accounts provided by the longtime staffer were supported by several others but were also met with some pushback from other sources who requested anonymity.
The staffer noted that Andrew Haden, the acting U.S. Attorney prior to Adam Gordon, has recently been reassigned to handle basic appeals cases after declining to take on a leadership role in the national security and cybersecurity section, which had been held by John Parmley for 27 years.
The situation in the office continues to evolve, with reports indicating that two additional attorneys also declined to accept leadership positions in a show of solidarity with those who were demoted.
In February, McGrath was removed from her position as U.S. Attorney for the region. Shortly thereafter, she transitioned to Perkins Coie, a prominent law firm known for representing clients against President Donald Trump, where she is set to work as a partner.
Adam Alexander Gordon, who was appointed as acting U.S. Attorney by Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced earlier hurdles, according to staffers. They recounted that a hiring committee had previously rejected his application to become an assistant U.S. attorney before he was eventually brought into the fold by Bob Brewer.
As expressions of concern continue to pour in regarding staffing shortages and management decisions, U.S. Attorney Gordon has chosen not to address inquiries directly, with a spokesperson refraining from commenting on personnel matters, even declining to disclose the current number of staff involved in the San Diego office, which was estimated to be around 140 attorneys.
In the past, the departures of several key individuals have rocked the office. Among the notable figures leaving since the beginning of the year are:
– Valerie Chu, a 21-year veteran of the local DOJ office, has taken on a role as a senior appellate attorney with the California Court of Appeal. Colleagues have described her as a leading expert in healthcare fraud prosecution in the region.
– Mark Conover, who previously headed the Major Frauds and Public Corruption Section and achieved a conviction against U.S. Representative Duncan Duane Hunter, is now a partner at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP.
– Marietta Geckos, whose 33-year career with the federal government earned her a reputation as a mentor for attorneys, recently retired and celebrated with a farewell party.
– Sarah Goldwasser made a transition to a position in San Francisco, with experience in investigating complex crimes during her time at the San Diego DOJ.
– Peter Ko is now a partner in Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP after a lengthy career where he received significant recognition for his contributions.
– Katherine “Katie” McGrath, formerly an assistant U.S. attorney focused on human trafficking and fraud cases, has moved to Sheppard Mullin’s Business Trial Practice Group in San Diego.
– Katherine Lind “Katie” Parker, who previously led the Civil Division, recently left the office without a public acknowledgment of her exit in the current organizational chart.
– Ryan Sausedo transitioned to a new position after spending over a decade with the San Diego DOJ, where he worked on a wide array of federal violations.
– Jaclyn Briana Stahl, who had a robust record of prosecuting various cases, has returned from international engagements to discuss new opportunities.
– Additionally, Amy Bizhu Wang has since been admitted to the Alaska Bar and is now serving as an assistant attorney general in that state.
Further information indicates that Fred Sheppard, a veteran of the office, left following recent elections to join Sony Interactive Entertainment. Owen Roth also made a significant career move to his wife’s law firm after years of service as a federal prosecutor.
Sources within the office indicated that some recent resignations might be linked to challenges surrounding the failed ‘Fat Leonard’ prosecution, which faced criticism from a judge for improper evidence handling. This added to a sense of exhaustion among staff members who felt overwhelmed and unsupported.
Despite the turmoil, Gordon’s office has been actively seeking to fill positions, with recent posts indicating that the office is hiring both civil and criminal AUSAs. However, concerns remain regarding the motivation and experience levels of applicants, as the once plentiful and competitive candidate pool has diminished.
Reports suggest that offers were made to multiple candidates but subsequently retracted, contributing to a growing narrative of discontent within the hiring process.
Justice Department insiders highlighted the pressure involved in being an Assistant U.S. Attorney in San Diego, particularly as cases often unfold at a breakneck pace, likening the job to that of an emergency room doctor managing constant crises.
While some sources commend Gordon’s approach to promoting from within, the current dynamics have led to skepticism from various quarters regarding the office’s direction. Some former staff still maintain contact with current management and engage in discussions about understaffing concerns and case management strategies.
One major talking point involves the prioritization of immigration cases at the expense of other vital issues, a contentious topic among many within the department.
The situation is compounded by the revelation that one Civil Division AUSA, David Wallace, has been flagged by the California Bar for noncompliance regarding licensing fees and obligations, resulting in his ineligibility to practice law.
In the meantime, the legal community waits to learn the next steps for the San Diego U.S. Attorney’s Office as the acting U.S. Attorney’s term is expected to conclude, leading to either a judges’ appointment or a nomination by President Donald Trump.
As the department grapples with the fallout from its current leadership and staffing challenges, several prominent legal figures have weighed in on the matter.
Former deputy assistant attorney general Harry Litman expressed his concerns that the ongoing issues observed within the department may be symptomatic of a larger trend affecting U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the nation. His commentary reflects a growing sense of unease regarding the erosion of long-standing principles and norms within the Justice Department.
Litman highlighted the potential repercussions stemming from the departure of experienced prosecutors, who typically play critical mentoring roles for less experienced staff. He urged for a return to prioritizing truth and justice across prosecutorial practices, stating, ‘Fear is the tool of a tyrant.’
As these challenges unfold, the future of the San Diego U.S. Attorney’s Office remains uncertain, and many observers are watching closely to see how the ongoing dynamics will play out.
image source from：timesofsandiego
